Abraham Reeser 1835 s/o Abraham + Annie (Feather)~Peter Feather, grandfather
http://www.rootsweb.com/~paberks/montgomery/r06.htmlhttp://www.rootsweb.com/~paberks/montgomery/r06.html
REESER, ABRAHAM F., p. 652
Surnames: REESER, FEATHER, WANAMAKER, LEVAN
Abraham F. Reeser, now living retired from active business life, at No. 217 South Fourth street, Reading, Pa., was born in Bern township, Berks Co.. Pa., July 26, 1835, son of Abraham S. and *****Annie (Feather)Reeser, and grandson of John Reeser.
The great?grandfather of Abraham F., also named John, emigrated from Bern, Switzerland, to Bern township, Berks county, at an early date, and there took up a large tract of land from William Penn. Here he settled and made many improvements, engaging in agricultural pursuits for the remainder of his life. Abraham S. Reeser, father of Abraham F., was educated in the schools of Bern township, and like his forefathers engaged in farming. He was independent in political matters. Mr. Reeser was a very generous man and gave liberally of his means to any church or charitable institution. He and his wife were the parents of these children: Sarah, Catherine, John, Abraham F. and William. The family were members of the Reformed Church.
Abraham F. Reeser was educated in the common schools of Bern township, but subsequently attended Irvin Academy and still later Lee's school. He then accepted a position with Rhoads & Son as clerk, in their grocery establishment, which was located in the old jail, Fifth street and Washington, the firm also operating a shoe and liquor store in connection with their grocery, as was the custom in those days. Mr. Reeser remained with Rhoads & Son for several years, when he went to Philadelphia, and there he engaged in the provision business until 1862, when he sold out to William H. Wanamaker, and returned to Reading. After engaging in the lightning rod business for three years, Mr. Reeser engaged in the store business in Reading, opening the Eagle Shoe Store on Penn street, which he conducted five years, and then sold out to engage in the real estate business, which he has continued to the present time. Mr. Reeser built the first house in West Reading, opened the first street there, and inaugurated the water system. He also purchased a plot of land and laid out Woodvale, owning at present there about 500 lots, as well as Woodvale Mansion, a summer hotel and one of the finest health resorts in this section of Pennsylvania. He built the Black Bear road, known as the East Reading Railroad, the first mile of the Gravity Railroad, and all the drives on Neversink Mountain. He has always been active in any movement for the upbuilding of his locality, especially in the way of real estate improvements, erecting many buildings in Reading proper, West Reading and Woodvale (or what is now Mt. Penn).
In politics Mr. Reeser is a Republican, and he served as assessor three years. He is a member of the Reformed Church. Fraternally he belongs to St. John's Lodge No. 435, F. & A. M.
On the maternal side Mr. Reeser is of Prussian and French Huguenot stock. ***Peter Feather, his grandfather, was born in Berks county, and he owned and operated the "American House" in Reading. He was very public spirited and progressive. His wife was a Miss Levan.
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Re: Abraham Reeser PA10
Tom Fetters 8/25/04